Anchors with powered,movable flukes

ABSTRACT

Improved anchor constructions; anchors having each a plurality of powered movable flukes; power means for anchors with movable flukes operable to move said flukes from a fluke-stored position (where the flukes lie closely against the shank of the anchor) to an operating position with the flukes extending outwardly at substantially 90* from said shank to a collapsed or fluke-freeing position substantially 180* arcuate position away from the stowed position (whereby the flukes will have essentially no drag upon the bottom) one said power means comprising a hydraulic motor with suitable gearing to transmit power to said flukes; a second said power means comprising an electric motor with power therefrom also transmitted through suitable gearing to the flukes; a third said power means comprising an hydraulic or pneumatic piston with the piston rod directly connected to the pivotal flukes; a next said power means comprising an electric solenoid power source driving a rod directly connected to the said pivotally movable flukes.

United States Patent [451 June 27, 1972 Tuel [54] ANCHORS WITH POWERED,

MOVABLE FLUKES [72] Inventor: Donald F. Tuel, 10621 West 57th Terrace,Shawnee, Kans. 66203 [22] Filed: June 1, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 42,042

[52] U.S.C|. ..l14/208R [5|] Int. Cl ..B63b 21/24 [58] Field of Search..1 14/206 A, 206 R, 207, 208

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,123,037 3/1964 Jensen ..114/208 A 780,039 1/1905 Hurley ..114/208 R 2,476,348 7/1949 Alvik et a1..1 14/208 A Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix Att0rney-Scofield, Kokjer,Scofield & Lowe ABSTRACT Improved anchor constructions; anchors havingeach a plurality of powered movable flukes; power means for anchors withmovable flukes operable to move said flukes from a fluke-stored position(where the flukes lie closely against the shank of the anchor) to anoperating position with the flukes extending outwardly at substantially90 from said shank to a collapsed or fluke-freeing positionsubstantially 180 arcuate position away from the stowed position(whereby the flukes will have essentially no drag upon the bottom) onesaid power means comprising a hydraulic motor with suitable gearing totransmit power to said flukes; a second said power means comprising anelectric motor with power therefrom also transmitted through suitablegearing to the flukes; a third said power means comprising an hydraulicor pneumatic piston with the piston rod directly connected to thepivotal flukes; a next said power means comprising an electric solenoidpower source driving a rod directly connected to the said pivotallymovable flukes.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJMT m2 SHEET 30F 3 This devicerepresents an improvement over the various movable fluke anchorconstructions of: (1) Williams U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,736 CollapsibleAnchor," Nov. 8, 1966; (2) Chard U.S. Pat. No. 3,082,729 Anchor," Mar.26, 1963; (3) Swails U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,812 Releasable Anchor," Feb.20, 1962; and (4) Doty, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,658 Anti-Fouling Anchor,July 2, 1967. (As well as other like constructions of the prior art). I

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dragging anchors rely on weight and somehooking or suction action for their holding power. Among the types ofdragging anchors are included the following:

1. Clump anchors, usually comprising a body of concrete or stone withengaging means set therein for'anchor rod or chain attachment. Theholding power of clumps is approximately 50 percent of their weight inwater. When heavily silted in, such holding power is somewhat increased,but generally they are useful only for small holding power because ofhandling difficulties. They are seldom used. I

2. Mushroom anchors usually consist of a bowl shaped base with a slendershank extending upwardly from the center point, being essentiallyrefined clump anchors. A suction effect is created as they silt in,sometimes resulting in a holding power of two to three times the weightof the anchor. When the suction is disrupted, as by pulling from anunfavorable direction, the holding power drops drastically.

3. Kedge anchors, having an elongate shank to which are attached two ormore flukes extending substantially at right angles-thereto and usuallyhaving an upper stock (in the case of a pair of flukes positioned atright angles thereto) usually have holding power about four times itsweight for sizes under 500 lb., although design variations can causeranging from 2 95 times its weight. Single fluked kedges are sometimesused.

. Stockless anchors are like the last class, but without a stock andthus the most widely used on large vessels because same can be easilyand snugly stowed in the conventional hawsepipe. Because of itslimitedfluke area (usually two flukes for stowage purposes) in relation toweight and the ease with which it rotates (since there is no stock), thestockless anchor generally has a holding power ofonly about three timesits weight.

. The northill anchor is essentially a light weight kedge anchor withthe addition of a stock at the crown (fluke base) extending at rightangles to the flukes. It is used primarily in sizes up to 100 lb. Itslarge fluke areas in these sizes yield holding powers of 20 to 30 timesthe weight of the anchor.

6. Grapnels, comprising a shank with a series of radial arcuate spikesextending from one end thereof possess no real holding power. Theirprimary use is for recovery of objects on the bottom or for hooking intorock bottoms for temporary holding. They are made in many types,including folding varieties.

Burial anchors do not depend on weight, but rather primarily onwithdrawal resistance provided by flukes of large area. The holdingpower of the burial anchor is directly proportional to the projectedfluke area of the anchor and the sheer strength of the bottom materialand inversely proportional to burial area resistance. (A slightmodification of this rule may hold true for screw anchors). Anchorweight is often a handicap, and in many cases a smaller anchor with amore favorable fluke-area weight ratio is more efficient than a heavierone.

Design and manufacturing tolerances are critical. For example, an errorof only 1 percent in the function of fluke angle can cause a decrease inholdingpower of as much as 50 percent. Similarly, burial .anchorsconstructed of inadequate materials can fail at points far below theirmaximum design load capability.

Under any conditions, however, burial anchors have a holding power ofmany times that of dragging anchors. Under ideal conditions, lightweight types have provided holding capability as high as 1,000 lb. perpound of anchor weight.

Typical burial anchors are of the spade (wishbone) anchor, asingle-fluke burial type anchor, a plow anchor and the lightweightanchors, which are stock-stabilized, pivoting fluke anchors.

Despite the advantages of the burial anchors described, the inventionsand improvements described are applicable primarily to dragging typeanchors. The relative fluke adjustability brings the instant dragginganchors closer in effectiveness, however, to the burial type anchors.

Coupling anchors to chain usually requires both an anchor shackle and achain shackle. However, many anchors under 200 lb. are produced with anoblong hole in the end of the shank, so that only a chain shackle isrequired.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION anchor.

It is desirable to provide an anti-fouling anchor of simple andpractical construction, efficient and reliable in operation, which isalso relatively inexpensive to manufacture and which has a long lifeunder heavy service.

In the field of releasable anchors for marine craft, an object is toprovide new and improved means for releasing the anchor should one ormore of the anchor arms or flukes be fast under an obstruction. Thisincludes such engagements where to pull the anchor directly up in anormal way might impose undesirable stresses on the anchor cable, thecraft, or the operator, or otherwise be difficult or impossible toeffect.

In the instant improved anchor constructions, when the anchor is in use,the power-pivotable anchor arms are normally held or locked securely inan extended or operative position at substantial right angles to theanchor shank by the power drive means in the shank. Such power drivemeans engage the inner ends of the flukes only which are received by theframework of the lower shank, thereby to be completely embraced and wellprotected at all times.

Another object of the invention is to provide effective and dependablepower means always directly coupled and connected with the movable andpivotable anchor flukes whereby to force operative to move the anchorflukes (from extended operative position to (a) stowing or storageposition or (b) to bottom releasing or freeing position when the anchorbecomes fouled) is supplied by said power means contained within ahousing in the anchor shank rather than by a release cable or lines inthe boat.

Another object of the invention is to provide power means integrallyincorporated with an anchor for readily and dependably moving theseveral flukes of an anchor to any desired annular position with respectto the anchor shank from a parallel stowed position with respectthereto, including to various operating positions at various anglesoutwardly from the shank and, finally, to a bottom release positionwhere the anchor flukes are essentially parallel extensions of the shankitself.

An object of the invention is to provide, in certain options, internallycontained power means and a power train for an anchor with poweredflukes, said power means comprising either an electrical motor or anhydraulic motor wherein a minimum of space or volume is required withinthe anchor shank to receive same.

Another object of the invention is to provide an anchor having aplurality of power movable flukes pivotally attached to one end ofthe-anchor shank, the anchor so constructed and the flukes so poweredthat the latter may be closely collapsed around the sides of the shank,thereby to completely enclose the shank housing, the power means andalso always protect the connection between the flukes and the powerdrive from the shank when the anchor is being stored or moved around outof water.

A further object of the invention is to provide a powered, movable flukedragging anchor utilizing an electrical solenoid power means receivedwithin the anchor shank to pivot the flukes between at least threepositions, namely, a stowed position wherein the flukes lie along theshank, (2) an operating position wherein the flukes are at substantialright angles to the shank and (3) a bottom released position wherein theflukes extend at substantial 150 to the shank, suitable locking meansprovided in the operating position to secure the flukes against draggingstress in their engagement with the bottom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a variant power sourcefor the improved anchor with powered movable flukes which is the subjectof the instant invention, the said power source comprising an hydraulicpiston received within the anchor shank, the piston rod of the hydrauliccylinder or piston being coupled with the pivotable, movable flukeswhereby to drive them to the desired position.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course ofthe following description thereof. In the drawings, which form a part ofthe instant specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith,embodiments of the invention are shown and, in the various views, likenumerals are employed to indicate like parts.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side sectional view through a first form of anchorof the improved construction, with the power movable flukes shown inreleased position in full line and in stowed or collapsed position indotted lines. This form embodies as a power source either an electricmotor or an hydraulic motor, either of same powering the pivotableflukes through a gear chain (power train) in reversible fashion. Theoperating position of the flukes is not seen in this view, but comprisesan arrangement where they extend at approximately right angles to theanchor shank, which is vertical in the view ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a view upwardly from below in FIG. 1, but with the anchorflukes shown extended in the operating position. This view isfragmentary with the flukes cut off at the end past the shankconstruction.

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view through the shank of an anchorutilizing an hydraulic cylinder as the power source for moving thepivotal flukes. Only one fluke is shown in the view with the hydraulicpiston at the uppermost operating position which causes the fluke to bein the downward or bottom release position.

FIG. 4 is a view like that of FIG. 3, but showing, positioned internallyof the anchor shank, a solenoid power means for driving the anchorflukes around their pivot point to the various desired positions ofstowage, use and bottom release.

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram for control and operating circuitfor the powered anchors of the subject solenoid modification of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line 6-6 in the direction of the arrowsin FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a view taken along the lines 77 of FIG. 4 in the direction ofthe arrows.

FIG. 8 is a view taken along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 4 in the direction ofthe arrows.

The structure basically includes an elongate, hollow shank having alongitudinally extending bore formed therein. If there are four flukes,as in the example shown, there are provided four sets of flanges atright angles to one another at the lower end of the shank, each toreceive one end of a fluke therebetween. Each fluke is pivotally mountedon a set or pair of flanges with the inner end of each fluke (next theshank) having gear teeth cut therein. A suitable power source ofreversible type is rigidly mounted within the upper portion of saidshank and there is provided into such power source suitable electricalpower cables or hydraulic or pneumatic lines to drive or actuage same inforward and reverse (or up and down) motion. A drive shaft protrudesfrom the lower end of said power source and is (altematively).connectedinto one end of a chain of gears or directly to the flukes.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS RE HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC MOTOR POWERED ANCHORSThe hydraulic or electric motor type power source trades speed for powerin the said gear grain, there extending from the other, lower end of thetransmission or gear train another power shaft. Mounted on the lower endof this power shaft is a cylindrical enlarged shaft having gear teethcut therein so as to engage each of the inwardly threaded ends of theflukes. Running of the electrical or hydraulic motor in one direction soas to rotate the lower shaft and its geared lower member in onedirection moves the flukes around their pivotal mountings on the shankflanges in one direction, while reversed motion of the motor and theshaft therefrom reverses direction of the shaft from the gear train,thus reversing the action on the flukes.

In the event of a very small scale and light anchor, there may beemployed a battery in the anchor, in the case of the use of anelectrical motor. Alternatively, power cables are provided going tobatteries in the boat itself or, in the case of a large vessel and alarge anchor, cables from any suitable electrical power source withinthe boat. In the case of a hydraulic motor within the anchor shank,there must be provided input and output hydraulic lines for forward andreverse action which come down the anchor cable or chain from thehydraulic power source in the vessel itself.

In the case of an anchor utilizing an electrical power source therein,the anchor elements would include: (I) the hollow shank or shaft, (2) aneyelet on the upper end or one end of the shank to receive an anchorcable, rope or chain, 3) a twoway electrical motor positioned within theupper part of the hollow shank, (4) the power cable (two wires) with achain ground leading into the upper part of the anchor housing, (5) asealed electrical motor, reversible, driving a gear train with a mastershaft and worm gear thereon as the output of the gear train, and (6)pivotal flukes mounted on the lower end of the anchor shaft and havinggear teeth on the inner ends thereof to engage the won-n on the masterdrive shaft.

In the case of a powered fluke anchor utilizing an hydraulic motor powermeans, the elements would include: (1) the hollowing shaft or shank orhousing, 2) an eyelet or eyering at the top or one end of the shank forconnection to a chain, cable or rope, (3) a reversible hydraulic motormounted within the shank, (4) hydraulic power cables connecting into thehydraulic motor for forward and reverse drive (only two cables arerequired when the means for reversing flow is in the boat), (5 thesealed motor driving a sealed gear train with a master shaft sealed outthrough the lower part of the housing having a worm gear mounted thereonoutside of the housing, (6) a plurality of flukes pivotably mounted onthe opposite end of the shank from the eyelet or eyering and having gearteeth on the inward ends thereof adapted to engage the worm gear on themaster drive shaft portion extending from the sealed housing.

For a motor powered fluke anchor, it is necessary to provide thefollowing. In the first place, there must be a suitable power sourcewhich will deliver sufficient torque for the power sources available atan rpm which is useable. There are available numerous examples ofelectric motors and hydraulic motors, these of the reversible desirabletype which will provide these characteristics. Secondly, there must beprovided a plurality of movable flukes which are strongly, yet pivotablymounted on a shank or housing structure which is sufficiently rigid thatthe gearing on the flukes will be kept aligned, both radially andaxially, with the driving gearing from the power source and power train.Yet further, there must be provided a sealed housing or shankconstruction which has the following characteristics. In the firstplace, the housing must be of sufficient volume to receive l) theelectric motor or hydraulic motor therein, (2) the drive shaft extendingtherefrom, (3) a gear train sufficient to transform velocity into powerin the desired and required ratio, (4) and also of sufiicient size toseal adequately out therefrom the output drive shaft of the gear train,and finally, (5) there must be suflicient space therein and adequateseals for the input electrical lines or hydraulic lines to power themotor in forward and reverse drive. Preferably, also, the housing isreadily openable for access to the motors or gear trains for cleaning,replacement or repair. Finally, there must be provided a continuous,powerful, effective power drive connection between the worm gear andtheoutput drive shaft from the power connecting to the geared or toothedinner ends of the movable flukes. The flukes preferably are removablefor access to the inner worm and the seals for the drive shaft thereofinto the housing.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1' and 2, which detail the structure ofboth the electric motor and hydraulic motor forms, will now bespecifically described. At is seen a lesser outer diameter cylindricalupper portion of a housing or shank comprising the basic frame or bodyof the anchor construction to be described. Centrally of elongateportion 10 is an opening 11. A T, having arms 12 and 13, forms theuppermost end of the housing of the anchor construction, to which isattached a bail or eyering l4 operative to receive an anchor chain,cable, shackle, or the like. The next lower portion 15 of the shank orhousing is of greater outer diameter than upper portion 10 to receivethe power source and power train therewithin. A circumferential flange16 extends substantially radially to the housing portion 15 at the lowerend thereof. This is matched and mated by a like circular flange 17which encircles the uppermost edge portion of a next lower housingportion of yet enlarged outer diameter 18. Housing portion 18 has alowermost wall portion 19, through which passes an opening 20, centrallythereof.

A pair of openings 21 and 22 extend laterally outwardly through uppershank portion 10 and have suitable seals therewithin for conduits whichpass therethrough. An inwardly extending pair of flanges or extensions22 and 23 fixed to the inner wall of housing portion 15 receive bolts 24and 25 which also engage the mounting flange 26 of a conventionalhydraulic drive motor 27 of reversible drive type. This power source mayalternatively be a reversible electric motor with suitable electricalcable connections, but the hydraulic motor power source will be firstdescribed. A pair of hydraulic fluid input and outlet lines 28 (notseen) and 29 connect to the upper end of the casing of hydraulic motor27 and serve to convey power fluid thereto and therefrom. Lines 28 and29 pass out through openings 21 and 22, respectively, into elbows 30 and31, then leading up through connector unions 32 and 33 into and throughthe arms 12 and 13 of the T as seen at 28a and 29a. These passages openout of the upper surfaces of T arms 12 and 13 where conventionalconnections to hydraulic fluid lines (which will parallel and go up theanchor cable, chain, rope or the like) are made. Thus, the upper ends ofpassages 28a and 29a may be internally threaded.

Bolts 34 and 35 removably engage flanges l6 and 17 of housing portions15 and 18 with suitable gasketing or sealing means therebetween to makea pressure and watertight connection therebetween. Drive shaft 36,extending downwardly in the view from hydraulic motor 27 connects into apower train of gears as follows.

Shaft 36 is coupled to reduction gear shaft 37 by couplings 37d. Shaft37 has a first helical drive member or gear 38 on the lower end thereof,shaft 37 passing through bearing 39 which is received in bearing housing40. Gear 38 is small diameter. A second shaft 41 passes through bearing42 and carries gear 43 on the upper end thereof and gear 44 on the lowerend thereof. Gear 43 is large diameter and gear 44 is small diameter.Shaft 45 carries large diameter gear 46 on the upper end thereof andsmall diameter gear 47 on the lower end thereof.

Bearings 45a and 46a carry shaft 45. Fourth shaft 48 in the gear traincarries large diameter gear 49 on the upper end thereof and lesserdiameter gear 50 on the lower end thereof. Bearings above and below gear49 carry shaft 48. Gear 50 drives greater diameter gear 51 which isitself mounted on the final or lower drive shaft 52 of the power trainwhich passes out opening 20 in lower wall 19 of housing portion 18.Shaft 48 is carried in bearings above and below gear 50 and shaft 52 isreceived in bearings above and below gear 51.

Thus, the power drive from shaft 36 is coupled to shaft 37 by coupling37a. A lesser diameter helical drive gear 38, mounted on the lower endof shaft 37, couples with and drive shaft 41 through larger diametergear 43 thereon and thus also lesser diameter gear 44. Greater diameterhelical drive gear 46 on shaft 45 couples with and is driven by gear 44thereby driving helical drive gear 47 of lesser diameter gear 47 inturn, couples with and drives larger helical gear 49 on shaft 48. Shaft48 has small gear 50 on the lower end thereof which couples with anddrives greater diameter gear 51 mounted on shaft 52. The latter isreceived in bearings 53 and 53a. The various bearings carrying theshafts mounting the drive gears are connected to or received in suitablebearing housings (not seen) whereby the power train is a rigid bracedarray of drive shafts and interengaging gears. The housings for theintermediate gears are mounted on shelf 54.

Because of the increased power (torque), the diameter of shaft 52,passing the power out of the gear train or reduction gears, is increasedover the diameter of the input shafts 36 and 37.

Looking at FIG. 2, integrally formed with or connected to the lower endof lower housing portion 18 are four pairs of flanges 56 and 57, 58 and59,60 and 61 and 62 and 63. Bearing housing 65 is removably bolted tolower wall 19 of housing 18 and carries suitable sealing means 66centrally thereof. Housing 65 serves as the upper floor for bearing race67 mounted thereon which encircles shaft 52 and has roller bearings andseals at 68 and 69. Removably mounted on a lower portion of shaft 52 forrotation therewith is gear 70 which engages and powers the movableflukes.

Turning to the anchor flukes, in the construction shown, there are fourpivotable flukes 71, 72, 73 and 74. These flukes are pivotally mountedon respective sets of flanges as seen in FIG. 2 by removable shafts orpins 78, inclusive. While the outer ends of the flukes are enlarged inwidth as may be seen in FIG. 1, the inward ends thereof have parallelsides with gearings 71a -74a, inclusive, cut into the metal thereof orformed integrally therewith whereby to engage, in power drive fashion,the gear 70. The fit of each fluke inner end between its set of flanges,say the inner end portion 711: of fluke 71 between flanges 56 and 57, isa sliding, frictional fit which yet permits pivotal motion of the flukein the desired pivotal action. The depth of the gearing in both theinward ends of the flukes and the gear 70 is of sufficient depth thatthere is constant engagement between the gear 70 and the respectivegeared portion 7 1a-74a, inclusive, this juxtaposition maintained bypins 75-78, inclusive.

In operation, assuming that the flukes are in the downward position asseen in full lines in FIG. 1, rotation of the shaft 52 in acounterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 will tend to raise all of theflukes. On the other hand, if the flukes are in the position seen indotted lines in FIG. 1, the opposite direction of rotation of shaft 52and gear 70 will tend to lower the flukes. If the flukes are in anintermediate position, then they may be moved alternatively a greater orlesser distance by forward or reverse activation of the hydraulic orpneumatic motor. (A pneumatic fluid (air) driven motor is a thirdalternative for FIG. 1 to drive the gear train in reversible action).

A reversible electric motor may be conveniently substituted forhydraulic motor 27 with either a pair of power lines going into thehousing portion 10 analogous to lines 28a and 29a of the hydraulicconstruction shown or, optionally, and preferably because of sealingproblems, a single cable carrying the required power connections goinginto a single opening in the housing leading to the motor and thenrunning parallel with the anchor cable, rope or chain to the powersource in the boat. There is preferably a connector eyelet or a springwire wrapping on the electrical cable as it enters the anchor body tokeep from short circuiting the electrical wiring.

Examples of reversible hydraulic power units suitable for theapplication and use described are found in the devices of Hydreco, aunit of General Signal Corporation, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49003. Parallelshaft speed reducers suitable for installation and use in the reductiongearing or power train shown are also conventionally available, such asthose produced by the Dodge Manufacturing Corporation of Mishawaka,Indiana.

Reduction gears can be worm and spur-pinion type gearing, beveled typegears or other type reduction gearing to furnish the required torquenecessary for the required force to pivot the flukes.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the subject powered anchor constructionwherein an hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder is employed as thepower source to move the flukes from engaging position to a downwardreleasing position or an upward storing position, as the case may be.Usable air and hydraulic equipment installable within the housing orbody of the anchor for this purpose as a power source may be seen in theAkin Engineering Company, Inc. brochure or catalog entitledCylinders/Valves Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components" copyrighted 1967Alcon Products Corporation, Wayne, New Jersey. The Akin EngineeringCompany is located at 8906 Rosehill Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66215.

The modification of the hydraulic power means seen in the drawingcomprises a Series B cylinders utilizing 250 psi air to 2,500 psi oil,seen and described on pages 10 and ll of the Alcon (Akin) catalog abovenoted. Alcon Products Corp. is located at 25 Power Avenue, Wayne, NewJersey.

Referring, then, to FIG. 3, fluid cylinder 100 has end caps 101 and 102which are secured at each end to an intermediate cylindrical body 103.Cap 102 journals a piston rod 104, one end 104a thereof projecting fromcap 102 for attachment to or mounting of the means to be operated ormoved by the cylinder 100. The latter here is gear body 105 which isreceived on the lesser diameter end portion 104a and secured thereon bynut 104b which engages the externally threaded secured end of portion1040 of piston rod 104. A lower bearing head 106 is removably boltedonto the end cap 102 by bolts 106a and carries mounted thereon or fixedthereto a plurality of sets of spaced flanges generally designated 107.These are similar in arrangement to those seen in FIG. 2 with pairs ofspaced flanges set 90 from one another. Within bearing head 106 and cap102 there is received a journal bushing 108 having pressure responsiveseal members 109 and 110 for engaging portions of rod 104 to preventleakage past the rod from the interior of the cylinder. Rod 104 isslidably received in passage 106a in member 106.

Piston 111 is mounted on rod 104 adjacent the internal end thereof forreciprocating movement within the cylinder body 103. Piston 111 carriespressure responsive seal members 112 and 113 for effecting a sealbetween the periphery of the piston and the interior wall surface of thecylinder body 103 upon admission of a pressure fluid into the cylinderbody 103 for driving the piston. Pressure fluid is admitted to chambers114 and 115 alternately through ports 116 and 117 in the end caps 101and 102. Each ofthe ports 116 and 117 also serves as an exhaust orificefor evacuating a chamber 114 or 115, respectively, during one-half ofacycle.

The foregoing description is directed to a standard or conventionalhydraulic fluid cylinder wherein a piston is moved to and fro by inputof hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston and withdraw] of hydraulicfluid on the other side thereof.

The construction shown is a typical high quality power cylinder forheavy duty air service, or medium pressure hydraulic service, up to2,500 psi depending on bore size. The design shown permits the samecylinder to be used with air or oil without modification. The previousdescription generally follows that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,247,767, "FluidCylinder," issued Apr. 26, 1966, inventor W. Aslan. However, therein isshown a cushioning system, details of which have been omitted from theinstant description. This cushioning system may be used, if desired, butis optional. Therefore, it has not been disclosed or described indetail. The disclosure of the said Aslan patent is herewith incorporatedby reference as showing an hydraulic cylinder or piston constructionoperable as an hydraulic power source to move the anchor flukes to thevarious described positions. Other, higher pressure cylinders ofconventional type may also be employed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the function of the hydraulic or pneumatic pistondevice of this figure (FIG. 3) comprises flowing hydraulic or pneumaticfluid under pressure into either chamber 115 or chamber 114 toreciprocate piston 111 within cylinder thereby to move the pivotableflukes from the disengaging position seen in the view to a positionessentially 90 therefrom for ground or bottom engaging and a positionover 120 therefrom for storage purposes. With piston 111 in the view atsubstantially its highest point with respect to chamber 115, hydraulicor pneumatic fluid has been passed in through channel 116 into chamber114, while hydraulic or pneumatic fluid has been simultaneouslywithdrawn from chamber through outlet and passage 117. Shaft 104 isnearly at its uppermost position with spur gear carrying element 105closely adjacent end piece 106.

A plurality of flanges generally designated are paired and spaced at 90arcuate positions from one another with anchor flukes generallydesignated 131 pivotally mounted by shafts or pins 132 between pairs ofsaid flanges. Flukes 131 have spur teeth 133 to engage the spur gearteeth on member 105 mounted on shaft 104. When hydraulic or pneumaticfluid is input through port 117 and passage 120 into chamber 115 whilesame is withdrawn through passage 116 from chamber 114, piston 111 canmove to a substantially intermediate position with chambers 114 and 115being of equal size. This will position spur gear carrying member 105 inits intermediate position below end cap 106, positioning flukes 131 atsubstantial right angles to shaft 104. The pressure balance of hydraulicor pneumatic fluid between the two chambers through openings 116 and 117will hold the piston in said intermediate position. A shroud or hood 134may be fixed to the outer surface of cylinder 103 to protect thehydraulic or pneumatic lines which connect to angle connections 135 and136. This also protects these lines and the fittings 136 and 135 fromthe flukes when they are in raised position.

When the piston 111 is in its lowermost position with chamber 115 at itsgreatest volume and chamber 114 at its least volume, shaft 104 extendsdownwardly out of the cap 106 as far as possible, with the spur gearteeth on member 105 pivoting the flukes around pins 132 to a positionover 120 displaced from the position seen in FIG. 3. Thus the hydraulicpiston fonn can achieve the basic three desired positions, first, withthe fluke ends up close to the anchor shank or housing, the stowedposition; second, the flukes projecting at right angles or substantialright angles to the anchor shank or housing, and third, with the flukesin the position of FIG. 3 substantially parallel to the shank or housingfor the disengaging position. In this modification, it is also possiblefor the flukes to project at any desired position in their arcuate rangeby metering the hydraulic or pneumatic fluid between the two chambers115 and 114 from the surface.

Referring to FIG. 4, therein is shown a modification of the inventivepowered fluke anchor wherein electromagnetic coils or solenoidconstruction employed to reciprocate a shaft linked with the pivotableanchor flukes. The circuit diagram of FIG. 5 shows schematically theelectrical power circuit or wiring diagram for this modification.

An elongate hollow cylindrical shell 200 is capped at its upper end bylesser diameter head portion 201 having lower circumferential flange 202which may be screwed or bolted (not seen) to the upper end ofcylindrical body portion 200 through the flange of a plug to bedescribed. The lower end of housing 200 is plugged by a cylindricalblock 203 having passageway 204 centrally therethrough withcircumferential O-ring recesses or grooves 205 therein.

An elongate shaft 206 is slidably received through passage 204 and hasmounted on the lower end thereof for reciprocatory movement therewithspur gear carrying member 207. The lower end 206a of shaft 206 is oflesser outer diameter than the upper portion thereof, whereby gearmember 207 slides thereon up to the greater diameter portion and then isfixed removably thereagainst by nut 208 which is received on thelowermost portion 206b of shaft 206 which is externally threaded.

At 209 there is seen a cylindrical steel core of magnetic material (suchas 421 stainless steel) which has a central passage 209a therethrough toreceive shaft 206 in sliding reciprocatory motion. The lower surface ofcore 209 has fixed thereto a circular flange 210 of like magneticmaterial which overlies the upper surface of block or member 203.Removably threaded on the externally threaded upper portion 206s ofshaft 206 is magnetic plunger or slug 211 also of magnetic material suchas 421 stainless steel. At 212', overlying flange 210, is a suitableinsulator disc made of material such as a phenolic resin.

Concentric to shaft 206, core 209 and slug or plunger 211 is fieldinsulator tube or sleeve insulator 214 within which plunger 211 moves insliding reciprocation. A magnetic core 215 having magnetic flange 216fixed to one end thereof and passageway 215a therethrough extends intothe upper end of tube 214 in the same manner that core 209 extends intothe lower end of said tube 214. A phenolic insulator disc 217 ispositioned between said tube and said disc 214. Tube 214 is typically ofphenolic composition.

An upper field 218 comprising a suitable member of windings of currentcarrying wire is positioned within the annulus defined between the towinsulators 212 and 217. A lower coil or field designated 219 is wrappedaround sleeve or tube 214; A disc separator and insulator 220 dividesand electrically separates fields 218 and 219. The coils comprising thefields 218 and 219 are wrapped circumferentially to electricallyinsulate them from housing 200. Suitable electrical connections are madeto the coils as at 221 and 222 for coil 219 and 223 and 224 for coil218.

Lines 221 and 223 are the negative connections, while lines 222 and 224join in a common positive ground. An elongate rod or shaft 225 isexternally threaded on its lower end 225a whereby to threadably engagethe upper end of slug 211 in an internally threaded recess centrally ofthe upper end thereof. Rod 225 extends slidably through passage 215ain-magnetic core 215. Intermediate the upper end of rod 215 and thelower end thereof, same is enlarged circumferentially as at 225b. Anelongate slot or groove 2250 is formed in one side of rod 225 extendingout the upper end thereof, said slot or groove being of greater depth attwo spaced positions 226 and 227 along the length thereof.

Plug 228 has a circular circumferential upper flange 228a which overliesthe upper edge of cylinder 200 and has a circular or cylindrical centralpassage 22% extending vertically therethrough to receive rod or shaft225. Plug 228 is also laterally relieved as at 2280 to pass theelectrical wiring from the lower coils therepast. An elongate key 229has a lower foot 229a received in slot 228d in the very bottom of plug228 and pivotably mounted therein on pin 230. At the upper end of key229 is arcuate guide 229c and intermediate of the length thereof is anextending tab or projection 229d adapted to fit into slots 226 and 227.Resilient means are provided as at 231 sealed by set screw 232 tonormally bias key 229 in a counterclockwise direction around pivot 230in the view of FIG. 4. The upper fields or top coils for the lockrelease are generally designated at 233 within head portion 201 with theelectrical connections therefor passing out opening 234 in cap 201 withthe electrical lines from the lower fields or coils. Fixed to the top ofcap 201 is bail or eyering 235.

Looking at the lower portion of the drawing of FIG. 4, generallydesignated 236 are the fluke carrying flanges which are paired apart andwelded or otherwise fixedly attached to block 203 and the lower end ofhousing 200. Flukes generally designated 237 are pivotally mounted onpins 238 and have spur teeth 239 to engage the spur gear teeth on member207.

The material of housing 200, as well as cap 201 may be aluminum, bronzeor stainless steel. Flange mounting plug 203 may be of the same materialas body 200 (stainless steel, aluminum or bronze) and carries bearingsleeve 2030 of bronze with nylon or neoprene O-rings. Insulators 212,220 and 217 are typically phenolic. The coils are wrapped in suitableinsulation of plastic nature. Tube 214 is typically plastic or phenolicinsulation. Flanges 210 and 216 of cores 209 and 215, as well as thecores themselves, are magnetic stainless (421). Slug 211 is likewisestainless magnetic 421. Shafts 206 and 225 are also stainless steel, butnon-magnetic 316.

All of the anchor shanks or housings of FIGS. 1 (hydraulic or electricalmotors with a gear reduction train), FIG. 3 (hydraulic or pneumaticcylinder) and FIG. 4 (solenoid) must be water sealed for the depths andpressures to be employed. This is true not only for the outlet powerconnection such as shaft 52 in FIG. 1, shaft 104 in FIG. 3 and shaft 206in FIG. 4, but also of the power input lines and fittings such as theelectrical or hydraulic fluid inlets 28a and 29a in FIG. 1, thepneumatic or hydraulic fluid inlets 135 and 136 in FIG. 3 and opening234 for the egress of the electric power connections to unlocking coil233 and upper and lower power coils 218 and 219 in FIG. 4.

Non-corrosive materials must be used to the greatest extent possible.Water service is particularly hard on sealed cylinders and housings ofthe types shown and described. Wide variations in water conditionsthroughout the country makes it difficult to devise only one approach towater-fitted housings and cylinders that would be equally satisfactoryfor all conditions. Preservation of finish is of high importance inhousing life, corrosion of tubing and shafting, electrolysis and mineraldeposits become critical. Water fitted cylinders and housings may befurnished with extra heavy chrome plating of tubing and shafting andcadmium plating of nonwearing parts.

Referring to FIG. 4, and prior to the delineation of the circuit diagramof FIG. 5 and its operation, magnetic slug 211 is shown in its uppermostposition abutting the under surface of plug 215. This is accomplished bythe energization of upper power coil 218. It is to be noted that neitherslot 226 nor slot 227 is engageable with tab 229d whereby spur gearcarrying member 207 would be locked in its relative position. (It ispossible to construct a solenoid device with sufficient field and coilsto provide locking at each of the three major positions, but the instantdevice illustrated, for simplicities sake, merely shows locking at (l)the working position with the flukes at substantial right angles to theshank and (2) at the stowed position with the flukes over from theposition of FIG. 4). Thus, while resilient means 231 are urging key 229clockwise around pivot 230, there is nothing in which projection or tab229d may engage. Both the lower portion of key 229 and tab 229d arewithin slot 225e, however. The force maintaining slug 211 in its upperposition with shaft 206 in its uppermost position, as well as shaft 225,is the magnetic flux in upper coil 218 plus the gear friction and weightof the flukes 237 as they hang parallel to the shank 200.

The drawing of FIG. 4 is not quite to scale with respect to the size ofthe elements movable within the chamber in which slug 211 reciprocates.However, the principles of operation may be described. From the positionof FIG. 4, to move the flukes around their pivots 238 to a positionsubstantially 90 to the shank, the lower coil 219 is energized. As slug211 moves downwardly, tab or projection 229d slides in trough or groove2250 and, driven by resilient means 231, passes into slot 225. Thislocks the anchor flukes in working position. Altematively, if releasecoil 233 were energized whereby to attract key 229, particularly arcuatecap 229e, energization of lower coil 219 would cause slug 211 to movedownwardly all the way without projection 229d engaging in slot 226.Then, when slug 211 reached the bottom of its travel with its lower faceabutting the top surface of plug 209, release of the energization ofrelease coil 233 permits the tab 229d to fall into upper slot 227. Thislocks the flukes in stowed or upper position, approximately greater than120 arcuate travel from the position of fluke 237 seen in FIG. 4.

To remove the flukes from the locked upper position with tab 229d inslot 227, release coil 233 would have to be again energized whereby toremove tab 229 from slot 227. Thereafter energization of upper powercoil 218 will move slug 211 either to the uppermost position of FIG. 4again with the flukes in disengaging position or, depending uponelectrical manipulation of the coils, to be described, slug 211 will bemoved to the intermediate position with tab 229d engaged in slot 226.

Finally, it remains to describe the mode of operation when tab 229d isengaged with slot 226, that is, the flukes locked at right angles to theshank. In such case, to go to the position of FIG. 4, uppermost lockingcoil 233 must be energized to disengage projection 229d from slot 225and upper power coil 218 energized, whereby to move to the position ofFIG. 4. AI- ternatively, to go from the position where projection 229dis in slot 226 to engagement in slot 227, the uppennost locking coilmust be energized to disengage tab 229d from slot 225, then thelowermost power coil 219 energized whereby to move the slug to thelowermost position whereby tab 229d can fall into slot 227 Referring toFIG. 5, therein is shown a wiring or circuit diagram for the solenoidoperated modification of FIG. 4. At 500 is seen a DC power source suchas a 12 volt 45 ampere battery. Push button 1, the lock release pushbutton, is indicated at 501. A ganged shaft operation selector switch isgenerally designated 502. A second push button, double pole, with gangedaction is generally designated 503. The lower power coil 219 of FIG. 4and the upper power coil 218 of the same view are schematicallydesignated in the lower right hand of the diagram, while the uppermostlock release coil 233 of FIG. 4 is seen in the upper right hand of thecircuit diagram. Line 504 from one pole of the DC power source connectsto one side of push button 501 (normally open push button). Line 505connects from the other pole of push button 501 to the top end of coil233. Coil 233 is divided into two parts, optionally, as may be seen. Theother pole of the power source 500 is connected by line 506 to the lowerend of coil 233.

The upper end of upper coil 218 is connected to line 506 by line 507.The lower end of upper coil 218 is connected by line 508 to the upperpole of one-half of the push button 503. The upper end of lower coil 219is connected by line 509 to line 507 from the upper end of upper coil218. The lower end of lower coil 219 is connected by line 510 to onepole of the lower side of push button 503. (In order to improve thepolarity and effective force of the coils 218 and 219, each of themcould be divided coils as in the manner of coil 233, but forsimplicities sake, the coils are as illustrated). Line 511 connects onepole designated A3 of one side of the shaft selector switch 502 to thefree pole of the lower half of push button 503 to connect with line 510when the push button 503 is actuated. Line 512 connects a poledesignated B1 of the selector switch 502 with the free pole of the upperportion of push button 502 to connect with line 508 when push button 503is actuated. The selector arms 502a and 502b are ganged to act togetherso that, when am 5020 is turned to pole Al, arm 502b connects to poleB1. Poles or positions A2 and B2 are neutral positions. Line 513connects line 505 with the selector switch arms 502a and 6502b.

Without selecting any given starting position, the procedure forutilizing the circuit diagram of FIG. with the structure of FIG. 4comprises:

1. Put arms 502a and 502b in neutral position, that is, connecting topoles A2 and B2;

2. Activate push button 501 whereby power flows from the power source500 through lines 504, 505 and 506 to energize coil 233. This serves tomove key 229 in a counterclockwise direction around pivot 230 in theview of FIG. 4 against resilient means 231, if tab 229d should be ineither slot 226 or 227;

3. Thereafter set shaft operations selector switch 502 on one of theactive positions, that is, with arm 5024 in contact with pole orconnector A3 (502b on B3) or, alternatively, arm 502b on connector orpole Bl (arm 502a on A 4. Thereafter push push button 503. (If arm 5020is on pole A3, then power will go into the lower coil 219.Alternatively, if arm 502b is on pole B1, then the power will pass intothe upper coil 218. (On activation of push button 503)).

Referring to the operation of the circuit diagram with the structure ofFIG. 4 (solenoid operation), the procedure and operation from thedifferent starting positions will now be described. First, assuming theslug 211 to be in the position-of FIG. 4 which results in the spur gearcarrying element 207 being at its uppermost position with respect to theanchor shank 200, as previously noted, the tab 22d, while in slot 225e,is not in either slot 226 or 227. To move the anchor flukes 237 from thedisengagement position of FIG. 4 to operating position extendingsubstantially at right angles to the anchor shank, the followingprocedure is employed:

1. Put the selector switch 502 to neutral position (A2) and 2. Push pushbutton 501;

3. Set the selector switch with arm 502a pointing to A3 (and 4. Pushpush button 503.

This will flow power to coil 219. As the slug 211 moves downwardly underthe attraction of coil 219, the tab 229d, under the continuous springload of resilient element 231, will slide into or fall into slot 226,thus stopping the anchor flukes at the intermediate or operatingposition.

To then progress from the operating position just reached, to thestowage or fluke uppermost position, the following actions are taken:

l. Put the shaft selector switch 502 in neutral;

2. Push push button 501; (Lock release) 3. Set the selector switch 502on poles A3 and B3;

4. Push the push button 503.

This will flow power into the lowermost power coil 219 while theuppermost coil 233 is holding tab 229d out of slot 226. The attractionof the coil for the magnetic slug 211 then moves the slug downwardly toits lowermost position with its lowermost face resting on the top ofcore 209. Release of the push button 501 permits the resilient element23] to force the tab 229d into slot 227.

To move from the stowed position back to the fluke operative position,the following procedure is used:

1. Put the selector switch at neutral;

2. Push push button 501; (this moves tab 229d out of slot 227 byactivating the upper release coil 233);

3. Set the selector switch on Al and B1;

4. Push push button 503 (this powers the upper coil 218).

Energization of the upper coil moves the slug 211 upwardly, thuspivoting the flukes around their pins 238 (in a counterclockwisedirection for the fluke seen in FIG. 4). If the upper field 233 is notenergized, the resilient means 231 will push the tab 229d into slot 226to stop at the intermediate position. On the other hand, if the upperfield remains energized, the slug 211 will go all the way to theposition of FIG. 4.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forthtogether with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherentto the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdepartment from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that allmatter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination:

an elongate anchor shank, I

a plurality of flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one endof said shank,

power means associated with said shank and having drive connection tothe inner ends of each of said flukes, whereby to pivot said flukes withrespect to said shank over an arc of at least substantially 90,

said power means received in waterproof fashion within said shank,

said power means further received in an upper portion of said shank(when said flukes are in a downward position), the drive connection fromthe power means to said inner ends of said flukes including a shaftextending out of a sealed opening in the lower portion of said shankcommunicating at the upper end thereof with'said power means and at thelower end thereof with said fluke inner ends.

2. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination:

an elongate anchor shank,

a plurality of flukes pivotally attached at one end thereof to one endof said shank,

power means associated with said shank and having drive connection tothe inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivot said flukes withrespect to said shank over an arc of at least substantially 90,

said power means including a reversible hydraulic motor and areduction'gear train both received in waterproof fashion within saidshank.

3. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination:

an elongate anchor shank,

a plurality of flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one endof said shank, power means associated with said shank and having driveconnection to the inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivotsaid flukes with respect to said shank over an arc of at leastsubstantially 90,

said power means comprising a reversible electric motor and a reductiongear train both received in waterproof fashion within said anchor shank.

4. An anchor as in claim I wherein said flukes may be power driven overan arc of greater than 120.

5. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination:

an elongate anchor shank,

a plurality of flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one endof said shank,

power means associated with said shank and having drive connection tothe inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivot said flukes withrespect to said shank over an arc of at least substantially 90,

said power means including magnetic coils positioned within said shankand cooperating with a reciprocable shaft linked at one end thereof withthe inner ends of each of said pivotable flukes.

6. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination:

an elongate anchor shank,

a plurality of flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one endof said shank,

power means associated with said shank and having drive connection tothe inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivot said flukes withrespect to said shank over an arc of at least substantially said powermeans including an hydraulic or pneumatic piston received within saidshank, the external end of the piston rod of the hydraulic or pneumaticcylinder linking with the inner ends of each of said flukes,

whereby reciprocatory motion of the piston within the cylinder rotatesthe flukes with respect to said shank.

7. An anchor construction including power driven movable flukescomprising, in combination:

an elongate hollow anchor shank having means for attaching a chain orcable at one end thereof,

a plurality of elongate flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof tothe other end of said shank from said chain orcable receiving means,

power means received within said anchor shank operable to drive inrotation a drive shaft extending from the lower end of said shank andbetween the inward ends of said flukes adjacent their attachment to saidshank,

said latter shaft having a spur gear thereon in power drive engagementwith the mating gear carrying inward ends of said pivotable flukeswhereby to pivot said flukes with respect to said shank.

8. An anchor construction including power driven movable flukescomprising, in combination:

an elongate hollow anchor shank having means for attaching a chain orcable at one end thereof,

a plurality of elongate flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof tothe other end of said shank from said chain or cable receiving means,

power means received within said anchor shank operable to drive inreciprocatory motion a rod or shaft extending from the lower end of saidshank and between the inward ends of said flukes adjacent the attachmentto said shank,

said latter shaft having a gear thereon in power drive engagement withmating gear carrying inward ends of said pivotable flukes,

said power means received in waterproof fashion within said shank,

said power means further received in an upper portion of said shank(when said flukes are in a downward position),

the shaft drive connection from the said power means to the said inwardends of said flukes extending out of a sealed opening in the lowerportion of said shank, communicating at the upper end thereof with saidpower means and at the lower end thereof with the said gear carryinginward ends of said pivotable flukes.

1. An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination: an elongate anchor shank, a plurality of flukes pivotablyattached at one end thereof to one end of said shank, power meansassociated with said shank and having drive connection to the inner endsof each of said flukes, whereby to pivot said flukes with respect tosaid shank over an arc of at least substantially 90*, said power meansreceived in waterproof fashion within said shank, said power meansfurther received in an upper portion of said shank (when said flukes arein a downward position), the drive connection from the power means tosaid inner ends of said flukes including a shaft extending out of asealed opening in the lower portion of said shank communicating at theupper end thereof with said power means and at the lower end thereofwith said fluke inner ends.
 2. An anchor having power driven movableflukes comprising, in combination: an elongate anchor shank, a pluralityof flukes pivotally attached at one end thereof to one end of saidshank, power means associated with said shank and having driveconnection to the inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivotsaid flukes with respect to said shank over an arc of at leastsubstantially 90*, said power means including a reversible hydraulicmotor and a reduction gear train both received in waterproof fashionwithin said shank.
 3. An anchor having power driven movable flukescomprising, in combination: an elongate anchor shank, a plurality offlukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one end of said shank,power means associated with said shank and having drive connection tothe inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivot said flukes withrespect to said shank over an arc of at least substantially 90*, saidpower means comprising a reversible electric motor and a reduction geartrain both received in waterproof fashion within said anchor shank. 4.An anchor as in claim 1 wherein said flukes may be power driven over anarc of greater than 120*.
 5. An anchor having power driven movableflukes comprising, in combination: an elongate anchor shank, a pluralityof flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof to one end of saidshank, power means associated with said shank and having driveconnection to the inner ends of each of said flukes whereby to pivotsaid flukes with respect to said shank over an arc of at leastsubstantially 90*, said power means including magnetic coils positionedwithin said shank and cooperating with a reciprocable shaft linked atone end thereof with the inner ends of each of said pivotable flukes. 6.An anchor having power driven movable flukes comprising, in combination:an elongate anchor shank, a plurality of flukes pivotably attached atone end thereof to one end of said shank, power means associated withsaid shank and having drive connection to the inner ends of each of saidflukes whereby to pivot said flukes with respect to said shank over anarc of at least substantially 90*, said power means including anhydraulic or pneumatic piston received within said shank, the externalend of the piston rOd of the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder linkingwith the inner ends of each of said flukes, whereby reciprocatory motionof the piston within the cylinder rotates the flukes with respect tosaid shank.
 7. An anchor construction including power driven movableflukes comprising, in combination: an elongate hollow anchor shankhaving means for attaching a chain or cable at one end thereof, aplurality of elongate flukes pivotably attached at one end thereof tothe other end of said shank from said chain or cable receiving means,power means received within said anchor shank operable to drive inrotation a drive shaft extending from the lower end of said shank andbetween the inward ends of said flukes adjacent their attachment to saidshank, said latter shaft having a spur gear thereon in power driveengagement with the mating gear carrying inward ends of said pivotableflukes whereby to pivot said flukes with respect to said shank.
 8. Ananchor construction including power driven movable flukes comprising, incombination: an elongate hollow anchor shank having means for attachinga chain or cable at one end thereof, a plurality of elongate flukespivotably attached at one end thereof to the other end of said shankfrom said chain or cable receiving means, power means received withinsaid anchor shank operable to drive in reciprocatory motion a rod orshaft extending from the lower end of said shank and between the inwardends of said flukes adjacent the attachment to said shank, said lattershaft having a gear thereon in power drive engagement with mating gearcarrying inward ends of said pivotable flukes, said power means receivedin waterproof fashion within said shank, said power means furtherreceived in an upper portion of said shank (when said flukes are in adownward position), the shaft drive connection from the said power meansto the said inward ends of said flukes extending out of a sealed openingin the lower portion of said shank, communicating at the upper endthereof with said power means and at the lower end thereof with the saidgear carrying inward ends of said pivotable flukes.